April Book Round-Up

Here's what I've been reading in April:

Cross Your Heart (Detective Jess Bishop #2) by Kierney Scott* - this series just keeps getting better and better. I took part in the Blog Blitz this month. See my review HERE.

Keeper (Emily Roy & Alexis Castells #2) by Johana Gustawsson** - an amazing second novel in the series (I now need to go back and read the first one!) This could be read as a standalone like I did however. I took part in the Blog Tour so see my review HERE.

The Sapphire Widow by Dinah Jefferies* - I simply loved this easy reading and descriptive story which tells the tale of Louisa Reeves and her dashingly handsome husband Elliot.

Their life is perfect apart from one thing. Louisa is desperate to become a mother. Her husband is away from home a lot overseeing business interests at Cinnamon Hills, a cinnamon plantation. When he dies suddenly in tragic circumstances Louisa's life could fall apart, especially when she learns what Elliot has been keeping from her but onwards she goes. Absolutely loved this book.

Mark of the Devil (Inspector Jim Carruthers #3)* by Tana Collins* - this series keeps getting better and better. I think this is the best one yet!

DI Jim Carruthers and the team are investigating a series of art thefts when they receive the tip off that a woman's body is on the beach. They also find some suspicious items on the clifftop and the woman has an unusual tattoo on her body.

The local estate owner would like Jim to believe he knows nothing but gut instinct makes Jim think he's up to his neck in it. One of his young gamekeepers is pulled from the sea death - what did he know and why would it have cost him his life? There are links to Estonia, people trafficking and Eastern European gangs.

Are the cases connected? And if so, where's the connection? Fast paced and enjoyable. I also liked how the main characters are developing and we are beginning to know them well. A great read.

Murderabilia by Craig Robertson - I've read one of Craig Robertson's earlier books in this series. This is the 6th in the Tony Winter series. 

Set in Glasgow, an early train's leaving Queen Street Station and just out of the tunnel the screams start - a body is hanging from the bridge, naked with his clothes neatly folded under him. Detective Inspector Narey is on the case briefly before being sent on enforced sick leave. She needs Tony to help her check some things out.. she also ventures onto the dark web to find out why and what people are buying in connection with death. A fast paced read which I couldn't put down. Definitely must read the rest in the series.

Restless Coffins by M P Wright** - this series is one of my all time favourites. I've followed JT Ellington and his cousin Vic since the beginning and Heartman. This story is fast paced, exciting, scary, nerve wracking and brilliant! 

JT gets a phone call bearing bad news. He has to go home and Vic sends and airline ticket for him to come via America. He's picked up by a streetwise but beautiful girl by the name of Evangeline Laveau and from that moment everything seems to go scarily wrong... When he eventually arrives back home he has to deal with Conrad Monroe and all that his sister Bernice left behind. A great read. So recommend.

Theo - One Love, Two Stories by Amanda Prowse - having adored Anna, I couldn't wait to read Theo's side of the story. Dear Theo struggles through boarding school, a sensitive and quiet child who is prone to bullying. He finds a friendship at school which brightens up his day until it's cruely taken from him. 

He has a period away at University where he meets working class Spud, a lifelong friend. Working life's not that great either. His Dad is forever putting him down. The day he meets Anna is a bright spot in his life. She's nothing like him, so full of life and takes everything life throws at her. He's besotted by her pretty quickly. Anna wants a family more than anything in the world but Theo's not so sure.. So brilliant to see the other side of the story. I loved this book as much as Anna.

A Fractured Winter by Alison Baillie** - I'm taking part in the Blog Tour for Alison's second novel so I'll share my review in my May roundup.

Fault Lines by Doug Johnstone** - Again, I'm taking part in the Blog Tour for this book early next month so I'll share my thoughts in my May roundup.

No Way Back by Kelly Florentia - Audrey Fox is expecting to marry the love of her life Nick when he drops the bombshell that he can't marry her feeling it's too much of a commitment. Going into meltdown Audrey goes on holiday to Cyprus with her parents and meets charming and gorgeous Daniel Taylor. They start seeing each other. He's got a bit of baggage in the name of a grown up child he worships and when Audrey finds that Nick's been in an accident she's torn..A great read which I thoroughly enjoyed with interesting characters and storylines. Looking forward already to book #2.

Last month I enjoyed (it wasn't published when I did my March roundup):

Deadly Secrets - Detective Erika Foster #6) by Robert Bryndza* - Detective Erika Foster has a random day off for Christmas when she drives past a murder scene. Of course being Erika she has to stop. It's the body of a young woman, beautiful Burlesque dancer, Marissa Lewis who is found in her snowy front garden. Who would do such a thing to someone who has her whole life ahead of her?

The team throw themselves into the investigation - it's nice to see Peterson back although that brings some unwelcome heartache for Erika. Erika has some personal stuff to sort for her father-in-law so Moss takes on the case which could have devastating personal consequences....she does a good job but decides she prefers being part of a team.

What's the connection to the case of the man in the gas mask who's been assaulting people in the street..and is there more to Marissa than meets the eye... an absolutely brilliant fast paced read with a surprising ending I for one didn't see coming!

What have you been reading this month?

*copy from the publisher via Netgalley

**print copy direct from the publisher